Robert
I unlocked the front door.
I let Andy walk in in front of me.
"Wow. Nice to see you've finally rearranged things." She commented.
I laughed.
"I thought it was time for a slight change after we separated."
"I like it."
Andy sat on the couch.
I joined her.
"Before we continue our previous conversation, let's talk about something else. That is also important."
"Okay."
"How many people we've slept with while we were separated."
"Okay."
"I didn't sleep with any other girls. Because of my feelings for you."
"And now I feel bad about the one guy I did sleep with while we were separated."
"Mm-hmm."
"It was Beckett."
"Beckett? As in my Captain Beckett?"
"Yes."
"Jesus Christ, Andy."
"I'm sorry. But I had served you with the divorce papers. I thought it was over. Because I wasn't in a place where I could forgive you two months ago."
I sighed.
"I'm so sorry. I realize it was a mistake sleeping with him. I know that. But I figured if I slept with somebody else, my feelings for you would disappear."
"And did it work?"
"If it worked, I wouldn't be back here, trying to work things out with you. Now, would I?"
"No."
"I don't think Beckett knew at the time."
"About what?"
"About us. About our Marriage. I think he overheard Maya talking to one of the others. About how our Marriage was falling apart."
"Probably."
"It wasn't right to up and leave like that."
"No, it wasn't."
"But I am my mother's daughter after all."
"Oh, come on."
"It's true. If I wasn't, I wouldn't have left like that."
"You have more of Pruitt in you."
"How do you know?"
"If you didn't, you wouldn't have come back to try and work it out."
"I feel terrible about sleeping with Beckett."
"I know."
"Do you think I'm a horrible person?"
"Come on."
"Robert."
"You could never be a horrible person. In my eyes."
Andy laughed.
"Now, if you asked Maya, she might have a different opinion."
"Maya hates Beckett."
"Doesn't everybody?"
"Do you remember when everybody hated you? They treated you like an outsider?"
"Yeah."
"Did you like it?"
"No."
"But we gave you the benefit of the doubt. We accepted you as a brother. And we have ever since that day."
"Thanks to you."
"I just helped them adjust to the idea of you. Them accepting you as a brother was all you."
"I never did thank you for all your help."
"Whether you believe it or not, I am still the heart and soul of 19."
"Oh, I know. The family isn't the same without you constantly around."
"I am truly sorry for sleeping with Beckett. More than you know."
"I know."
"So, what do you think about our previous conversation?"
"I think... It's been two years since we've gotten married. We've overcame everything that should've tore us apart. We've gotten to know each other a lot better."
"So?"
"I think it's time we take the next step."
"And if you're worrying about how much it takes to raise a baby, please don't. I make $15,000 a month as Lieutenant."
"I only make $10,000 a month."
"Well, I get the extra because I'm Lieutenant. And it pays a lot to put your life on the line everyday for 24 hours."
"Yeah."
We made love.
"And just think, if McCallister does wirte that letter of recommendation for you, you'll be Captain."
"Yeah."
"What?"
"Nothing."
"You don't sound as happy as you should about making Captain."
"I just want people to recognize my work."
"People do, Andy."
"I hope so."
McCallister
I was writing the recommendation for Herrera.
"Battalion Chief Young,
I believe Lieutenant Andrea Herrera of Station 23 is best equipped to be Captain of 12. She has experience from her father, Captain Pruitt Herrera. Andrea Herrera also has the most heart and compassion than any other Firefighter Lieutenant I know. And I've gotten to know all of SFD Firefighter Lieutenants. She is the only one who stuck out to me. And not because Andrea is a legacy kid. She has excelled at Station 23 after her transfer from Station 19.
Sincerely,
Chief McCallister."
I dropped it off at his office.
Young
I opened a letter.
"Battalion Chief Young,
I believe Lieutenant Andrea Herrera of Station 23 is best equipped to be Captain of 12. She has experience from her father, Captain Pruitt Herrera. Andrea Herrera also has the most heart and compassion than any other Firefighter Lieutenant I know. And I've gotten to know all of SFD Firefighter Lieutenants. She is the only one who stuck out to me. And not because Andrea is a legacy kid. She has excelled at Station 23 after her transfer from Station 19.
Sincerely,
Chief McCallister."
I was e-mailing Herrera.
"Dear Lieutenant Andrea Herrera,
With your excellence demonstrated at Stations 19 and 23 as Lieutenant and Chief McCallister's letter of recommendation, I am promoting you to Captain of 12. I wish you the best of luck as Captain. And hope you continue to excel as a Firefighter. You start as Captain of 12 on Monday.
Sincerely,
Battalion Chief Young."
I sent the e-mail along with a picture of Chief McCallister's letter.